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| Currently, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does not recognize a breeding population of cougars in Michigan. Despite DNR staff observations, DNA evidence, photos, and videos, they tell callers that Michigan does not have cougars. They credit cougar sightings, tracks, scat, and livestock kills to released pets or transient cougars. |
| Prior to March, 2006, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) which oversees the DNR had briefly addressed the matter twice in the last two years (2/9/06 and 2/3/05). Then on August 10, 2006, the NRC directed the DNR to investigate and report on the viability of Michigan cougars, including breeding population. The DNR reported back to the NRC at their October, 2006 meeting. Director Humphries and Assistant Director Reeves apologized for citizens being treated with disrepsect when reporting cougar sightings. Reeves indicated that the Department had been lax in investigating the cats and both public respect and investigation would be improved in the future. The Department will send three biologists for out-state training on cougar habits and livestock depradation. Additionally, the Department will add cougar information to the DNR website. Reeves explained new procedures in place to respond to reports of cougar sightings and reminded those in attendance of the cougar's protected status in Michigan. (Full Meeting Notes) |
| In July, 2006, a citizens organization was founded to encourage the State of Michigan to officially recognize Michigan's resident cougar population. The organization, Michigan Citizens for Cougar Recognition (MCCR), focuses on the public safety and environmental protection involving cougars. Founder Denise Massey says, "When a family with young children see a cougar in their backyard and call the DNR, they are told there are no cougars in Michigan. They are given no safety recommendations to co-exist with Michigan's largest predator. If they get no support, then they feel justified in killing the animal - an endangered species. The DNR is dropping the ball on cougars, leaving the public in danger, failing to protect an endangered species, and leaving local units of government - animal control, sheriff, and townships - to handle a DNR matter." |
| If you are interested in seeing Michigan's cougar recognized and having the DNR begin to manage these animals, you must make your interests known. Please write, email, or telephone the following political and lobbying groups and express your opinion. You may also write letters to the editor of your local media. |
| Local units of government concerned with locally covering costs to investigate, educate, and reimburse for livestock losses, may adopt resolutions. Click this link for a sample government resolution. |
 MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES |
 DNR Wildlife Contacts |
| NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION |
| GOVERNOR'S OFFICE |
| U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE |
| Mike DeCapita |
| Endangered Species Coordinator |
| East Lansing Field Office |
| 2651 Coolidge Road |
| East Lansing, MI 48823 |
| (517) 351-6274 |
| mike_decapita@fws.gov |
| MICHIGAN STATE REPRESENTATIVES |
| MICHIGAN STATE SENATORS |
| UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVES |
| UNITED STATES SENATORS |
| MICHIGAN NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES |
| MICHIGAN SHERRIF'S ASSOCIATION |
| MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS |
| MICHIGAN TOWNSHIP ASSOCIATION |
| MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU |
| They are not only beautiful; they are not only incorruptible; they are ghosts. In North America, some people spend their entire lives in the bush and never see a cougar. A fleeting glimpse of one of these unsocial predators is often a pivotal moment in our lives, a connection with our primitive past and with the retreating wilderness of this continent. We look at it and see the beauty and the beast within ourselves. - Jerry Kobalenko, "Forest Cats of North America" |
